KOCH PROPOSES RISE IN AIDS SPENDING

By BRUCE LAMBERT

Published: May 2, 1987

Mayor Koch yesterday proposed increasing spending on AIDS in New York City by $106 million next year, as he released a city report estimating that 70,000 New Yorkers have AIDS-related complex.

People with AIDS-related complex have been infected with the AIDS virus and have conditions ranging from mild symptoms, such as swollen glands, to fatal illnesses.

Health officials said their estimate which is more than seven times New York's current count of 9,709 classically defined cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is a conservative projection based on data developed by the Federal Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. The report indicated the city's ARC caseload could be as high as 97,000. ARC Not Widely Publicized

ARC cases, though well-known to AIDS experts, have not been widely publicized. The incidence of ARC is the subject of studies involving samplings of thousands of cases here and in other parts of the nation. While many people with ARC continue their day-to-day lives unimpaired, others develop serious symptoms. Some die without being reclassified as AIDS cases, and some go on to develop AIDS and die from that.

Dr. Peter Drotman, the Federal center's chief of technical information, said, ''Some technically never develop AIDS, but it's fairly clear they're dying from HIV infection from a wasting syndrome, becoming debilitated.'' A study of certain ARC cases in Atlanta shows that each year for the past five years, 5 percent of the victims develop AIDS. Dr. Drotman called the results ''disconcerting.''

The ARC projection came in a stark new report to Mayor Koch yesterday from a task force of city agencies chaired by the Health Commissioner, Stephen C. Joseph. The report analyzed the scope of the AIDS crisis in the city.

''The consequences of the AIDS epidemic are catastrophic in terms of loss of life and human suffering,'' the report said. It portrayed ''a relentless tragedy'' from the epidemic. As the killer disease spreads, the report warned, ''All of the city's health, social and human rights services will be severely strained.''

Praising the report, Mayor Koch announced his proposal to increase the city's AIDS budget from $279 million this year to $385 million next year. The expenditures, for treatment, testing, counseling and education, include $98 million in city funds and the rest in state and Federal aid.

Mr. Koch said that New York City, which has 30 percent of the nation's AIDS caseload, ''has done more than any other city in the country.'' He criticized the Federal Government for failing to shoulder ''its rightful burden.''

Critics said most of the increase is required for medical care of the rising caseload, and not enough is being spent for prevention. 'A Gross Distortion'

At the Gay Men's Health Crisis, Executive Director Richard D. Dunne said: ''For the city to suggest that major new initiatives are being undertaken is a gross distortion of the facts. While the city's fiscal health improves, its public health is ominously deteriorating. Over 90 percent of the money the city projects to spend next year on AIDS is for mandated health costs.'' He said more spending for prevention would ''save lives and city taxpayers' money in the future.''

The city report outlined such measures to combat AIDS as discussions, leaflets and condom distribution at places frequented by heterosexuals, including massage parlors, swingers' clubs, sexually oriented movie theaters and bookstores, peep shows and some singles bars.

More health workers will be visiting neighborhoods of high AIDS incidence to warn against risky behavior. The program, now focusing primarily on poor areas because of the prevalence of intravenous drug abuse, will be expanded to Coney Island, Clinton, Washington Heights, East Bronx, Long Island City and Astoria.

Other programs would provide information at homeless shelters, increase the use of experimental AZT drug treatments, increase the number of city hospital beds devoted to AIDS patients and establish a second AIDS residence, such as the existing Bailey House in Greenwich Village, for people who do not require hospitalization.

Photo of Dr. Stephen C. Joseph, the Health Commissioner, and with him is Mayor Koch and William J. Grinker (NYT/Dith Pran)